Power varying pedal

ABSTRACT

A system and method for providing variable power is disclosed. The system includes a power supply which provides power to at least one instrument. A pedal comprises a variable resistor that is configured to produce a resistance value within a predetermined range based on an amount of pressure which is being applied to the pedal. The voltage being supplied to the instrument is varied in accordance with the resistance value produced at the pedal.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application is a Continuation application of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/451,078, filed on Aug. 4, 2014, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/986,633, filed onJan. 7, 2011, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present invention relates to supplying varying power levels to aninstrument and, more particularly, it relates to a power varying pedalwhich uses a variable resistor to vary the voltage being supplied to aninstrument.

Description of the Related Art

It is often the case that workers, professionals or artists are requiredto operate a hand-held instrument, tool or other device which can betuned to a variety of different speeds or power levels. For example,tattoo artists operate a tattoo machine or gun when applying artwork tohuman skin and may adjust the speed of the needle, dentists operate anultrasonic dental scaler when cleaning a patient's mouth and may adjustthe speed at which the scaler vibrates, construction workers operate adrill for boring and may adjust the speed at which the drill rotates,etc.

In order to adjust the speed of the motor or the power level of theseinstruments, the operator must typically stop working and manuallyadjust a knob or dial by hand. The knob or dial may be located on apower source associated with the instrument or on the instrument itself.However, touching of the knob may cause health issues, especially in thecase involving dentists and tattoo artists, where bodily fluids, blood,germs, pathogens or contaminants may be transferred from the operator'sglove to the tuner or, vice versa, from the tuner to the operator'sglove. In addition, such adjustments tend to distract the operators fromthe task at hand, and in some cases may require the operator to turn offthe instrument being used. Even further, if the operator wishes toprecisely tune the instrument to a specific power level, manuallyadjusting a dial by hand tends to be difficult, especially in caseswhere the operator is wearing gloves. Thus, it would be advantageous toallow these operators to adjust the speed or power level of suchinstruments without having to stop what they are doing and withouthaving to use their hands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present principles, a system for providingvariable power is disclosed. The system includes a pedal configured toproduce a resistance value within a predetermined range based on anamount of pressure which is being applied to the pedal. The system alsoincludes a means for regulating the voltage being supplied to aninstrument in accordance with the resistance value produced at thepedal.

In accordance with the present principles, a method for providingvariable power is disclosed. According to the method, a resistance valueis produced within a predetermined range based on an amount of pressurethat is being applied to the pedal. The voltage being supplied to aninstrument is varied in accordance with the resistance value produced atthe pedal.

Other objects and features of the present principles will becomeapparent from the following detailed description considered inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood,however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes ofillustration and not as a definition of the limits of the presentprinciples, for which reference should be made to the appended claims.It should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarilydrawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merelyintended to conceptually illustrate the structures and proceduresdescribed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote similarcomponents throughout the views:

FIG. 1A is a variable power supply system including a variable powersource in accordance with one embodiment of the present principles.

FIG. 1B is a block/flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method forproviding a variable power supply using the variable power sourcedisclosed in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a variable power supply system including a variable poweradapter which regulates the current being supplied to an instrument froma conventional power source in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent principles.

FIG. 2B is a block/flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method forproviding a variable power supply using the variable power adapterdisclosed in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a variable power supply system which incorporates a variablepower adapter into a power varying pedal to regulate the current beingsupplied to an instrument from a conventional power source.

FIG. 3B is a block/flow diagram illustrating a method for providing avariable power supply system using a power varying pedal whichincorporates a variable power adapter as disclosed in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary design for a power varying pedal in accordancewith one embodiment of the present principles.

FIG. 5A is an exemplary design for a power varying pedal in accordancewith another embodiment of the present principles.

FIG. 5B is a more detailed side view of the power varying pedalillustrated in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a top view disclosing the internal configuration of the powervarying pedal in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D is a top view disclosing an exemplary external configuration ofthe power varying pedal in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5E is an exemplary voltage meter attachment piece for use with thepower varying pedal in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a circuit schematic for a variable power source in accordancewith one embodiment of the present principles.

FIG. 6B is a printed circuit board layout for a variable power source inaccordance with one embodiment of the present principles.

FIG. 7A is a circuit schematic for a variable power adapter inaccordance with one embodiment of the present principles.

FIG. 7B is a printed circuit board layout for a variable power adapterin accordance with one embodiment of the present principles.

FIG. 8 is a circuit schematic for a variable power ultrasonic dentalscaler in accordance with one embodiment of the present principles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the present principles, a “power varying pedal” isprovided which can adjust the amount of current being provided to anoperator's instrument and thereby alter the speed or power level of theinstrument (e.g., by altering the speed of the instrument's motor). Thepower varying pedal may be coupled to a “variable power source” whichsupplies varying levels of voltage or current to an instrument dependingupon how far the power varying pedal is depressed. In anotherembodiment, the power varying pedal is connected to an external“variable power adapter” which is in turn is connected to a conventionalpower supply. In this case, the variable power adapter regulates theamount of voltage passing through the adapter to an instrument, andthereby changes the power level of the instrument. In an even furtherembodiment, a power varying pedal is connected directly to aconventional power source and an instrument, and a variable poweradapter incorporated into the power varying pedal permits a varyingamount of voltage to be provided to the instrument.

Upon reading this description, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that the principles described herein have many advantageous usesand can be applied in a wide variety of applications or circumstances.For example, in one particularly useful embodiment, the presentprinciples may be applied to a tattoo application system. Tattoo artistsoperate a hand-held tattoo machine or tattoo gun to apply ink to humanskin. The tattoo machine includes a needle can puncture the skin atvarying rates (e.g., 50 to 3,000 per minute). During the process ofapplying a tattoo to a person, the operator of the tattoo machine istypically required to manually adjust the speed of the needle by hand(e.g., by turning a dial on a conventional power source). However,touching of the knob may transfer blood, germs, pathogens or othercontaminants to the tuner, or may transfer the same to the hand of theoperator. Moreover, manually adjusting a knob by hand may distract thetattoo artist from his or her work, and further, may be quite difficultif the artist is wearing gloves.

To address these issues, the present principles provide a tattoo artistwith a power varying pedal which allows the artist to vary the amount ofvoltage being supplied to the tattoo machine by depressing the pedal(e.g., by stepping on the pedal with his or her foot). Since the artistis not required to turn a knob or tuner by hand, the artist can avoidthe risk of passing blood-borne pathogens or other infectious agents. Inaddition to providing safer operating conditions the pedal power varyingpedal gives the artist greater control over the tattoo machine than hadbeen permitted by conventional systems, thus allowing him to applyartwork to the human skin in an easier and more precise manner. Otheradvantages stem from the fact that the pedal described herein allows theartist to change the speed of the needle without having to stop work andwithout having to use his or her hands.

In another useful embodiment, the present principles can be applied toan ultrasonic dental scaler used by a dentist. Ultrasonic dental scalersare hand-held instruments which use high-frequency vibrations to removedeposits from the surface of a patient's tooth. Traditionally, thedentist must remove the instrument from the patient's mouth and turn adial on the instrument to adjust the frequency of the vibrations.However, the power varying pedal according to the present principlespermits the dentist to change the frequency of the vibrations while thedentist continues to work on the patient and without having to removethe instrument from the patient's mouth. And once again, it prevents thedentist from spreading germs, bodily fluids or other infectious agentssince the dentist can change the power level of the scaler without usinghis hands.

Although the above two examples of the present principles involve tattooequipment and dentistry equipment, one skilled in the art wouldrecognize that the present principles are applicable to numerous typesof different devices, and especially to devices which allow for varyingvoltage or varying power levels. For example, the present principles maybe applied to a construction drill for boring holes which is capable ofoperating at differing power levels. Therefore, it should be recognizedthat the exemplary uses of the teachings described herein are notlimiting, and that the examples discussed herein are for pedagogicalpurposes to aid the reader in understanding the present principles.

Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals represent the sameor similar elements and initially to FIG. 1, a variable power supplysystem 100 is illustratively depicted in accordance with one embodimentof the present principles. The system includes a power varying pedal110, an instrument 120, a variable power source 130 and a GRN pedal 150(optional). The variable power source includes a voltage tuner 140 and avoltage panel 138. In addition, the variable power source disclosed inthis particular embodiment includes three connections: a power varyingpedal connection 132, an out connection 134 for outputting voltage orcurrent to a device or instrument 120, and a GRN pedal connection 136.

Instrument 120 may be a device which can be operated at varying powerlevels or varying speeds. In one particularly useful embodiment,instrument 120 comprises a tattoo machine which includes a needle and amotor capable of operating at different speeds to vary the rate at whichthe needle moves. In another embodiment, instrument 120 comprises anultrasonic dental scaler which can operate at different power levels tovary the rate at which the instrument vibrates. It should be noted thatinstrument 120 can comprise a variety of other devices as well (e.g., adrill used to bore holes).

Instrument 120 is connected to a variable power source 130 which canprovide differing levels of voltage to the instrument 120, thus changingthe speed or power level of the instrument 120. The variable powersource 130 receives input from the power varying pedal 110 regarding theamount of voltage that is to be supplied to the instrument 120 andoutputs voltage to instrument 120 in accordance with the input. In oneembodiment, variable power source 130 is a 120 VAC transformer whichprovides consistent direct current (DC) power that can be adjusted bythe power varying pedal 110.

The power varying pedal 110 is powered by the variable power source 130and comprises a variable resistor (e.g., rheostat or potentiometer). Thevariable resistor produces a resistance value within a predeterminedrange when the pedal is depressed. The resistance value is used by thevariable power source 130 to adjust the amount of current or voltagethat is being supplied to the instrument 120 by the variable powersource 130. Varying the voltage may cause a motor at the instrument tooperate at different speeds. In the embodiment where instrument 120comprises a tattoo machine, this will cause a variation in the speed atwhich the needle moves. In the embodiment where instrument 120 comprisesa dental scaler, this will cause a variation in the rate at which thedevice vibrates.

A tattoo artist, dentist or other operator can step on the pedal 110, orapply pressure to the pedal 110 in other ways, to vary the voltage beingsupplied to the instrument 120. The amount of voltage being supplied tothe instrument 120 will vary within a certain range depending upon howfar the pedal is depressed. In one embodiment, the amount of voltagebeing supplied to instrument 120 will increase as the power varyingpedal 110 is depressed further and further. Thus, fully depressing thepedal 110 will result in the greatest amount of voltage being suppliedto the instrument 120. On the other hand, failing to depress the pedal110 in any manner whatsoever may result in no voltage being supplied tothe instrument 120, or alternatively, may result in a predeterminedminimal level of voltage being supplied to the instrument 120. It shouldbe recognized that the power varying pedal 110 can be configured in anumber of other ways to vary the voltage being supplied to theinstrument 120.

In one embodiment, the amount of voltage being supplied to instrument120 is directly proportional to the percentage at which the powervarying pedal 110 is depressed. For example, suppose variable powersource 130 is capable of varying the voltage being supplied toinstrument 120 between 0-10 V direct current (DC) power. In this case,depressing the pedal 120 down sixty percent of the pedal range wouldthus supply 6 V DC power to instrument 120.

In another embodiment, a number of different predetermined thresholdvalues are used to operate the instrument 120 at a number ofpredetermined speeds or power levels. Using the tattoo machine example,the machine may be configured to vary the movement of the needle atthree predefined speeds depending up how far the pedal 110 has beendepressed. For example, the tattoo machine would operate at a firstspeed if the pedal 110 is depressed 0%-33%, a second speed if the pedal110 is depressed 34%-66%, and a third speed if the pedal is depressed67%-100%. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that variousother methods may be applied to vary the voltage which is being suppliedto instrument 120.

While the power varying pedal 110 allows an operator to adjust thevoltage being supplied to an attached instrument 120, the voltage tuner140 provides an alternate mechanism for adjusting the voltage beingsupplied to the instrument 120. Voltage tuner 140 allows an operator tomanually adjust the voltage being supplied to the tattoo machine 120 byturning a dial or knob. However, in addition to spreading infectiousagents, this manner of adjusting the voltage may distract an operatorfrom the task at hand and tends to be cumbersome if the operator iswearing gloves. Regardless of whether the voltage tuner 140 or the powervarying pedal 110 is used to adjust the voltage, voltage panel 138displays the level of voltage which is being supplied to instrument 120.

The variable power source 130 and/or instrument 120 can alternatively beturned on in the traditional sense by depressing GRN pedal 150 ifpresent. For example, disconnecting power varying pedal 110 andconnecting GRN pedal 150 and subsequently stepping on GRN pedal 150 willpower up instrument 120. Stepping on GRN pedal 150 will provide fullpower to the instrument 120 in the traditional use of this device. Itshould be noted that other ways of turning on/off the power supply 130or instrument 120 may be employed (e.g., flipping a switch or pressing abutton which is located on the power source).

The three connections on variable power source 130 (i.e., the powervarying pedal connection 132, the out connection 134 and the GRN pedalconnection 136) represent sockets, jacks (e.g., RTS jacks) or otherinterfaces which can receive a plug (e.g., mono plugs) or otherconnecting pieces. Specifically, connection 132 provides an interfacefor connecting the power varying pedal 110 to the variable power source130. Similarly, the out connection 134 provides an interface forconnecting an instrument 120 and for supplying variable voltage to theinstrument 120, and the GRN pedal connection 136 provides an interfacefor connecting the GRN pedal 150 to the power supply 130.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, a block/diagram discloses a method 1000 forproviding a variable power supply system 100 using the variable powersource 130 depicted in FIG. 1A. In step 1010, a power varying pedal 110produces a resistance value using a variable resistor, such as arheostat or potentiometer. The resistance value reflects the amount ofpressure which is being applied to the power varying pedal 110 (e.g., bystepping on the pedal). The resistance value information is forwarded toa variable power source 130 (step 1020). This may involve sending theresistance value over a wire which is connected to both the variablepower pedal 110 and the variable power source 130 using mono plugs.However, it should be noted that the present principles may involvetransmitting this value to the variable power source using other means(e.g., fiber optic connections, wireless connections, etc.).

In step 1030, the resistance value information is used at the variablepower source 130 to adjust the amount of voltage or current which isbeing supplied to an instrument 120. This will cause a change in thepower level at which the instrument is operating (e.g., by changing thespeed of the instrument's motor). Varying the voltage level may involveusing the resistance value produced by pedal 120 to set or adjust theamount of voltage that is being resisted at the variable power source130.

Moving on to FIG. 2A, an alternate variable power supply system 200 isdisclosed which permits variable voltage or variable current to besupplied to an instrument 120 from a standard power source 210. Thesystem comprises a standard power source 210, a variable power adapter250, a GRN pedal 150 and a power varying pedal 110.

Standard power source 210 relates to a conventional power source whichis only capable of varying the current or voltage being supplied toinstrument 120 by turning voltage tuner 140 by hand. Unlike the variablepower source 130 described above, standard power source 210 does notinclude an interface for receiving input from a power varying pedal 110and has no means to use such input to vary the voltage being output.Standard power source 210 includes two connection interfaces: a GRNpedal connection 216 for connecting GRN pedal 150 and an “out”connection 214 which outputs voltage.

The variable power adapter 250 allows for the voltage which is beingsupplied to instrument 120 by the standard power source 210 to beadjusted within a certain range depending upon how far power varyingpedal 110 has been depressed. The variable power adapter 250 receives acurrent from the standard power source 210 and regulates the manner inwhich the current is distributed to the instrument 120 in accordancewith resistance value produced by the power varying pedal 110. In doingsuch, this piece of equipment allows for standard power supplies andstandard instrument devices (e.g., standard tattoo machines) to work inconjunction with the power varying pedal 110. In one embodiment, thevariable power adapter takes in 24 V up to 3 AMP VDC power from thestandard power source 210 and allows for variable voltage regulationfrom 0 V to 12 V and 1 AMP VDC power out.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, a block/flow diagram illustratively depicts amethod 2000 for providing a variable power supply system 200 using astandard power source 210 in conjunction with a variable power adapter250 as depicted in FIG. 2A. In step 2010, a conventional power source210 supplies voltage to a variable power adapter 250, for example, via acable or wire which connects output connection 214 of the power source210 and input connection 252 of a variable power adapter 250. Powervarying pedal 110 uses a variable resistor to produce a resistance valuebased on the amount of pressure which is being applied to the powervarying pedal (step 2020). The manner in which this value is producedmay vary. For example, as explained above, the value produced may bedirectly proportional to the level at which the pedal is depressed ormay involve using predetermined threshold values.

Next, in block 2030, the value is forwarded from the power varying pedal110 to the variable power adapter 250, possibly via a cable whichconnects the power varying pedal 110 to connection 254 of the variablepower adapter 250. The value is then used in block 2040 by the variablepower adapter 250 to regulate the amount of voltage passing through theadapter to the instrument 120, and to thereby change the power level ofthe instrument 120 connected to the variable power adapter 250. Varyingthe voltage flowing through the adapter may involve using the resistancevalue to set or adjust the level of resistance at variable power adapter250. By adjusting the level of resistance of the variable power adapter250. the amount of voltage being supplied to the instrument 120 can bealtered, thus allowing the instrument 120 to operate at different powerlevels or at different speeds.

FIG. 3A discloses another embodiment of a variable power supply system300 which regulates the current being supplied to an instrument from astandard power source 210. While the power varying pedals 110 in FIGS.2A and 3A are both compatible with a standard power supply 210, theembodiment in FIG. 3A does not include a separate variable power adapter250 component. Rather, in FIG. 3A, the variable power adapter 250 hasessentially been incorporated into the power varying pedal 110 tocontrol the level of voltage being supplied to instrument 120. Thevariable power adapter 250 component incorporated into this embodimentof the power vary pedal 110 performs the same functions as the variablepower adapter 250 discussed above in substantially the same manner.Specifically, the variable power adapter component 250 uses a resistancevalue generated by a variable resistor at the power varying pedal 110 toregulate the amount of voltage passing through the power varying pedal110 to the instrument 120.

Power varying pedal 110 comprises two connection interfaces: pedal inputconnection 361 and pedal output connection 362. Standard power source210 supplies voltage to the power varying pedal 110 via power outputconnection 214 and pedal input connection 361. Upon connecting powervarying pedal 110 to standard power source 210, the power varying pedal110 and instrument 120 may automatically be turned on.

Power varying pedal 110 is connected to instrument 120 via pedal outputconnection 362 and provides a varying amount of voltage to theinstrument 120 depending upon how far power the power varying pedal 110is depressed. More specifically, power varying pedal 110 uses a variableresistor to produce a resistance value based on the amount of pressurewhich is being applied to the power varying pedal 110 in the same mannerdescribed above. This value is then used by the variable power adaptercomponent 250 in the power varying pedal 110 to regulate the amount ofvoltage passing through the pedal to the instrument 120, and to therebychange the power level of the instrument 120.

FIG. 3B is a block/flow diagram illustrating a method 3000 for providinga variable power supply system using a power varying pedal 110 whichincorporates a variable power adapter 250. The method begins in step3010 where voltage is supplied to a power varying pedal 110 whichcomprises a variable power adapter 250. The power varying pedal 110 isconnected to and supplies power to instrument 120.

A variable resistor (e.g., potentiometer or rheostat) in the powervarying pedal 120 produces a resistance value within a particular rangebased on the amount of pressure which is being applied to the powervarying pedal 110 (step 3020). The amount of voltage being supplied tothe instrument 120 connected to the power varying pedal 110 is variedbased on the amount of pressure being applied to the power varying pedal110 (step 3030). More specifically, the voltage passing through powervarying pedal 110 to the instrument 120 depends on the resistance valuewhich is produced by the variable resistor. As explained above, varyingthe voltage level may involve using the resistance value produced bypedal 120 to set or adjust the amount of voltage that is being resistedat the variable power source 130.

One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the variousembodiments disclosed above could be altered in a variety of differentways. For example, rather than employing the variable power adapter 250as a separate component (as in FIG. 2A) or incorporating the variablepower adapter 250 into the power varying pedal 110 (as in FIG. 3A), thevariable power adapter 250 could be incorporated into the instrument120. In this embodiment, the resistance value produced by the powervarying pedal 110 could be forwarded to the instrument 120 to adjust thepower level of the instrument 120. Many other variations are alsocontemplated and fall within the scope of the present principles.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an exemplary power varying pedal 110 isillustratively depicted in accordance with one embodiment of the presentprinciples. The particular pedal disclosed in this figure may be usedwith the variable power supply system disclosed in FIGS. 1A and 2A.

As can be seen, the power varying pedal 110 has a pedal surface 410which can be depressed (e.g., by stepping on it) to adjust the voltagebeing supplied to an instrument 120. The pedal surface 410 is connectedto a pedal anchor 420 which in turn is connected to two different cablesor wires 460, 480 as illustrated in the figure. Tension spring 450 isattached to cable 460 and cable 470. Cables 470 and 480 are coupled to a10 K potentiometer (10 K POTS) 440 which in turn is connected to monojack 430. The “ring” and the “tip” notations used in this figure referconnections from the mono jack.

The 10 K potentiometer 440 produces a resistance value based on how farpedal surface 410 has been depressed. A variable power source 130 or avariable power adapter 250 attached to the power varying pedal 110 mayuse this value to adjust the amount of voltage which is being resisted.The 10 K potentiometer 440 is turned via a cable system (e.g., involvingcables 460, 470 and 480) which turns the 10 K potentiometer knob. As thepedal is depressed forward, the cable turns the POTS knob 440 and thevoltage is varied up. As the pedal is depressed back, the POTS knob 440and the voltage is varied down.

More specifically, depressing the pedal surface 410 will cause the pedalanchor 420 to pull on the cables 460, 470, 480 and the tension spring450 to produce a resistance value at the POTS 440. This resistance valuemay be outputted to either a variable power source 130 or a variablepower adapter 250 via a mono jack connection. The resistance value isthen used by the variable power source 130 or a variable power adapter250 to adjust the amount of current or voltage that is being supplied toan instrument 120.

An alternate embodiment of a power varying pedal 110 is illustrativelydepicted in FIGS. 5A-5D. The particular embodiment disclosed in thisfigure may be used with the power varying system disclosed in FIG. 3A.

The power varying pedal 110 includes two connections, e.g., which mayreceive mono plugs or other connecting pieces. Connection 361 provides aconnection between the pedal 110 and a conventional power source 210,while connection 362 provides a connection between the pedal 110 and theinstrument 120. The pedal also includes a detent assy 510 comprising aspring-loaded ball 521 (or equivalent mechanism), and a series of gears521, 522A, 522B, 523A, 523B, 524A and 524B.

Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the embodiment in FIG. 5A doesnot employ a series of cables in conjunction with a tension spring toadjust the resistance value produced by the variable resistor in thepedal 110. Rather, the power varying pedal 110 employs a series of gearsin conjunction with the detent assy 510 to adjust the resistance valueproduced by the variable resistor in the pedal 110. The resistance valueproduced in this manner is then used at the pedal to vary the voltagewhich is being supplied to a connected instrument 120.

Although gears can be arranged in a number of different configurations,the zigzag ratio of the gearing illustrated in FIG. 5C may be preferredfor a number of reasons. Specifically, the particular configuration ofgears provides an arrangement where the potentiometer is turned oneclick at a base of 1 V for a 12 V inputted power. This permits precisecontrol over the amount of power which is being supplied to theinstrument 120. In addition, the particular configuration of the gearsresults in a pedal which is more durable, and which is estheticallyappealing.

In certain embodiments, the pedal is configured in a manner which allowsan operator to leave the pedal in a specific position while taking hisor her foot of the pedal. Hence, the instrument can be operated withoutthe operator's foot on the pedal, and the operator would only need tostep on the pedal to adjust the current which is being supplied to theinstrument. As a result, the operator is provided with more mobility.

When the pedal 110 is depressed, the gears 524A and 524B will begin torotate. The rotation of gears 524A and 524B cause the other gears torotate. Specifically, gear 524A is interlocked with gear 523A, thuscausing gears 523A and 523B to rotate. Gear 523B is interlocked withgear 522B, thus causing gears 522B and 522A to rotate. Similarly, gear522A is interlocked with gear 521, thus causing gear 521 to rotate.

The detent assy 510 includes a spring-loaded ball 520 which fits into anotch on gear 521. The detent assy is also connected to a variableresistor 550 (e.g., a potentiometer) as illustrated in FIG. 5B. Eachtime gear 521 rotates a pre-determined distance, the spring-loaded ball520 is received by the next notch on gear 521. As the pedal is depressedfurther and further, the spring-loaded ball 520 is continuously fittedinto each adjacent notch on gear 521. For each notch on gear 521, theresistance value produced by the variable resistor 550 is adjusted apredetermined amount, thus causing the voltage being supplied to theinstrument 120 to be increased a predetermined amount. Stopping blocks530A and 530B ensure that the voltage being supplied to the instrument120 is supplied within a pre-determined range.

As an operator takes his or her foot off of the pedal 110, or appliesless pressure to the pedal 110, the gears rotate in the oppositedirection and the spring-loaded ball 520 moves to each adjacent notch ingear 521 in the opposite direction than it had taken when the pedal wasbeing depressed. As gear 521 rotates in the opposite direction, theresistance value produced by the variable resistor 550 is adjusted apredetermined amount, thus causing the voltage being supplied to theinstrument 120 to be decreased a predetermined amount.

The above manner of operating the power varying pedal in FIGS. 5A-D isnow illustrated by way of example. Suppose that the power varying pedal110 is configured to provide varying voltage to an instrument 120 withinthe range of 1-12 V. As the pedal is depressed, the gears 521-524 willrotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise). As gear 521 rotates, thespring-loaded ball 520 is received by consecutive notches on gear 521.Each time the spring-loaded ball 520 is received by a different notch,the variable resistor 550 adjusts the resistance value such that thevoltage output by the varying power pedal 110 to the instrument 120increases by 1 V. More specifically, each time the spring-loaded ball520 moves to the next notch in gear 521, a resistance value is producedby the variable resistor 550 which is then utilized by the variablepower adapter 250 component incorporated into the pedal to increase thevoltage being output by 1 V.

The stopping blocks 530A and 530B ensure that the power varying pedal110 outputs voltage within the predetermined range of 1-12 V. Asillustrated in FIG. 5B, these stopping blocks ensure that the totalvariation between the initial position of the pedal and the finalposition of the pedal (when the pedal is fully depressed) is within arange of 22 degrees.

Staying with the above example, the pedal operates in a similar manneras an operator applies less and less pressure to the pedal, or takes hisfoot of the pedal. As less pressure is applied, the gears, includinggear 521, rotate in the opposite direction than when the pedal 110 wasbeing depressed (e.g., counterclockwise). Each time the spring-loadedball 520 moves to the next notch in gear 521, a resistance value isproduced by the variable resistor 550. The resistance value is then usedby the variable power adapter 250 to decrease the voltage being outputby 1 V.

An advantageous configuration for the surface of a pedal isillustratively depicted in FIG. 5D. When viewed from a side perspective(e.g., as in FIG. 5B), the surface of the pedal is primarily comprisedof bottom pedal surface 556 and a top pedal surface 557. Bottom pedalsurface 556 and top pedal surface 557 are attached to each other by sometype of connecting mechanism 553, e.g., a series of screws. The dottedlines labeled A and B reflect the outer edges of bottom pedal surface556 which lies beneath top pedal surface 557.

Upon disconnecting the pedal surfaces, a gripping mechanism 552 may beinserted in between the surfaces. In FIG. 5D, the pedal is outfittedwith a gripping mechanism 552 which comprises a metal grate. The metalgrate permits an operator to securely grip the pedal his or her foot,and provides the operator with greater control over the instrument 120.Although the gripping mechanism 552 depicted comprises a metal grate, itshould be recognized that numerous other gripping mechanisms may beemployed.

Moving on to FIG. 5E, an exemplary voltage meter attachment piece 590for use with the power varying pedal in FIG. 5A is illustrativelydepicted. The voltage meter attachment piece 590 serves an intermediarypiece which is connected directly to the power varying pedal 110, and toboth the instrument 120 and the standard power source 210. Voltagepassages from a standard power source 210 through the voltage meterattachment piece 590 to the power varying pedal 110. After the powervarying pedal 110 adjusts the level of voltage being output to aconnected instrument 120 in the manner described above, the voltagedisplay panel 595 located on the voltage meter attachment piece 590displays the level of voltage output from the power varying pedal 110.

It should be recognized that the standard power source 210 and theinstrument 120 are not directly connected to the power varying pedal 110(e.g., as shown in FIG. 3A). Rather, the standard power source 210 andthe instrument 120 are connected to the voltage meter attachment piece590 which, in turn, is connected to the power varying pedal 110. Morespecifically, the voltage meter attachment piece 590 includes twoconnecting pieces, connector 591 and connector 592, which connect thevoltage meter attachment piece 590 to the power varying pedal 110 (e.g.,via connections 361 and 362 on the power varying pedal 110). Connectors591 and 592 may comprise mono plug connectors or other known connectingmechanisms. The voltage meter attachment piece 590 also includesconnections 593 and 594 for receiving connecting pieces associated withthe standard power source 210 and the instrument 120, respectively.

When voltage is supplied from a power source, the voltage passes throughconnection 593 and output via connector 591. Connector 591 is pluggedinto connection 361 on the pedal 110, and thus relays the voltage to thepower varying pedal 110. The power varying pedal 110 adjusts the levelof voltage depending upon how far the pedal 110 is depressed. Thevoltage output from the power varying pedal 110 is output via connection362 to connector 592. The voltage meter attachment piece 590 measuresthe amount of voltage being output from the power varying pedal 110 andoutputs this on voltage display 595. The voltage is then output from thevoltage meter attachment piece 590 to the instrument 120 via connection594.

In light of the above description of the varying power pedals 110, oneof ordinary skill in the art would recognize that many alterations couldbe made to these pedals within the scope of the present principles. Forexample, a number of factors could be varied including, but not limitedto, the number of gears and/or cables utilized by the pedals, the rangeof voltage supplied by the pedals, the range of the pedal's starting andending positions, the number of stopping blocks, the pedal surface, etc.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B and 8 disclose exemplary circuit schematics andprinted circuit board layouts for use with the present principles. Morespecifically, FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an exemplary circuit schematicand an exemplary printed circuit board (PCB) layout for a variable powersource 130 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 1A). FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate anexemplary circuit schematic and PCB layout for a variable power adapter(e.g., as depicted in FIG. 2A). FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary circuitschematic for use with a dental scaler.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an exemplary circuit schematic and printedcircuit board (PCB) layout is provided for a variable power source 130in accordance with one embodiment of the present principles. As can beseen in both the circuit schematic and PCB layout, the variable powersource 130 depicted in these figures accepts 120 V alternating current(AC) power and outputs a current somewhere in the range of 0 V to 12 VDC power. Table 1 discloses the notations used in these figures.

TABLE 1 F1 Fuse SW1 125 V Switch T1 24 V 1.5 AMP Transformer R3 5.6 ΩResistor BR1 Bridge Rectifier (including D2-D5 which each represent −1N4004 Diode) IC1 317 Voltage Regulator C1 1000 UF Electrolytic CapacitorP1/P2 Connection to the 10K Potentiometer R1 270 Ω Resistor (Red,Violet, Brown) R2 4.7 Ω Resistor (Yellow, Violet, Red) D1 1N 4004 DiodeV1 12 V Voltage Meter Panel SW2 12 V Ground Switch P1 RTS Jack fromPower varying pedal P2 RTS Jack for the GRN Pedal ADJ Denotes aconnection point of the voltage regulation to P1 R6 5.6 Ω Resistor TipDenotes a connection point for GRN which is part of RTPS Jack RingDenotes a connection point for POS which is part of RTS jack E Used toconnect to end post of POTS M Used to connect to middle post of POTS

In these figures, a variable power source 130 receives an alternatingcurrent of 120 V. If the power source 130 is turned on, the switch SW1will be in a closed position to complete the circuit. Transformer T1 isa 24 V 1.5 AMP raises or lowers the power of the received current toensure that the current is at an appropriate voltage level. The currentis then converted from AC power to DC power at bridge rectifier BR1which includes four-1N 4004 diodes D2-D5. C1 represents a 1000 UFelectrolytic capacitor which stores energy and releases it when needed.Voltage regulator or voltage stabilizer IC1 maintains the voltage withinrequired limits despite variations in input voltage.

P1 and P2 are connections to variable resistors (e.g., potentiometer 410in FIG. 4). More specifically, P1 is the connection to the variableresistor the installed at the power varying pedal (e.g., at 10 K POTS inFIGS. 4) and P2 is the connection to the variable resistor associatedwith the voltage tuner 140. The input received at P1 and P2 is used tovary the amount of voltage that is being resisted. The amount of voltagebeing output by variable power source 130 is within the range of 0-12 VDC power. The level of voltage being output may be displayed by avoltage panel 138 connected at V1.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a circuit schematic and a printedcircuit board layout for a variable power adapter 250 is illustrativelydepicted. The notations used in FIGS. 7A and 7B refer to the same orsimilar elements in FIGS. 6A and 6B (as set forth above in Table 1).Variable power adapter 250 receives 24 V DC power from a standard powersource 210 and outputs a current which varies between 0-12 V DC power.Voltage regulator or voltage stabilizer IC1 ensures that the voltagelevel falls within required limits despite variations in input voltage.P1 and P2 once again represent connections to resistors which permit theamount of voltage being output by variable power adapter 250 to bevaried within the range of 0-12 V DC power in accordance with the inputprovided by the power varying pedal 110 or the voltage tuner 140. P1 andP2 are utilized in substantially the same manner as described above. Thelevel of voltage being output may be displayed by a voltage panel 138connected to V1.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a circuit schematic 800 for a variable powerultrasonic dental scaler is illustratively depicted in accordance withone embodiment of the present principles. The notations referred to inTable 1 relate to the same elements in FIG. 8 with the exception of thenotations disclosed in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 T1 50 V 5 A Transformer F1 5 A Fuse Slow Burn C1/C2 4700 Ω 50 VCapacitors IC1 L7815 Positive Voltage Regulator BR1 Bridge Rectifier(including 1N 4004 diodes) GRD Standard 110 v ground connection

The circuit receives 110 V AC power from a power source. In thisembodiment of a variable power ultrasonic dental scaler, the input fromthe power varying pedal 110 is provided directly to the dental scalar toadjust the voltage of the device, and thereby adjust the vibration ofthe device. This differs from conventional scalers which instead use aknob located on the scaler to adjust the voltage of the device.

Moreover, it should be noted that the manner in which the power level ofthe scaler is adjusted differs from the systems described in FIGS. 1A,2A or 3A. More specifically, in this alternative embodiment, theresistance value produced by the power varying pedal 110 is supplieddirectly to the scaler, and this information is used by the scaler inadjusting the power level of the scaler. This is different from theembodiments described above where the adjustment of the voltage isprovided by a variable power source 130 (as in FIG. 1A), a separatevariable power adapter component 250 (as in FIG. 2A) or a variable poweradapter 250 incorporated into the varying power pedal 110 (as in FIG.3A). However, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that thesystems in FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A can be modified in a similar manner.

Referring back to FIG. 8, the scaler hand piece 810 is supplied voltagewithin a range of 0-24 V AC power to vary the power level of anelectromagnetic vibrator therein. The power of the alternating currentreceived by the scaler is raised or lowered by transformer T1, whichrelates to a 50 V 5 A transformer, to ensure that the current is at anappropriate voltage level. Voltage regulator or voltage stabilizer IC1relates to a L7815 positive voltage regulator which ensures that thevoltage level falls within a particular range despite variations ininput voltage.

A power varying pedal 110 is directly connected to the scaler (e.g., viaa mono jack) and provides input via connection P1 to control the amountof voltage resistance. In doing such, the present principles allow for aconnected varying pedal 110 to increase or decrease the AC voltagesupplied to the hand piece 810 of the scaler by depressing the pedalsurface 510, thus replacing the conventional scaler voltage tuner whichis traditionally located on the hand piece itself.

In this embodiment where instrument 120 represents a dental scaler, themanner in which water is supplied to the instrument must also beaccounted for. To this end, it can be seen that water is supplied viawater duct 819 to the water valve 830. Water valve 830 is connected towater duct 820, which in turn is connected to hand piece 810. In thisembodiment, water valve 830 is operated using 12/60 V AC power and has a¼″ port and a 3/32″ orifice body with a 100 MOPD (maximum openingpressure difference), as well as a 0.18″ check value (CV) body and 0.21″CV stop.

In certain embodiments of the dental scaler, the value produced by thepower varying pedal can be used not only to adjust the level of powerbeing supplied to the instrument 120, but also to adjust the flow ofwater which is being supplied to the instrument. Hence, as the powerlevel of the dental scaler increases, the flow of water through thedental scaler also increases.

While there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novelfeatures of the present principles, it will be understood that variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of themethods described and devices illustrated, and in their operation, maybe made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit ofthe same. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations ofthose elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the samefunction in substantially the same way to achieve the same results arewithin the scope of the present principles. Moreover, it should berecognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shownand/or described in connection with any disclosed form or implementationof the present principles may be incorporated in any other disclosed,described or suggested form or implementation as a general matter ofdesign choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only asindicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for providing variable power to a tattoomachine, comprising: a pedal having a predefined range of motion definedby an initial zero position and extending to an upper end position, thepedal comprising at least one gear, and an indexing system having anindexing object biased against the at least one gear; whereindisplacement of the pedal within its predefined range of motion rotatesthe at least one gear which causes displacement of the indexing objectfrom one notch to a next adjacent notch to provide a resistance valuewithin a predetermined range corresponding to the predefined range ofmotion of the pedal; a means for regulating a voltage supplied to aconnected tattoo machine in response to the pedal position and thecorresponding resistance value, wherein said voltage regulating means isin communication with said at least one gear, and the indexing system isconfigured to maintain the pedal in a specific position when a user isnot interacting with the pedal.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein themeans for regulating voltage comprises a variable power source whichreceives the resistance value produced by the pedal and utilizes theresistance value to vary an amount of voltage which is output from thevariable power source to the connected tattoo machine.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the means for regulating voltage comprises an externalvariable power adapter situated between the tattoo machine and a powersource, and the voltage passing through the external variable poweradapter is varied in accordance with the resistance value produced atthe pedal.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the means for regulatingvoltage comprises an internal variable power adapter located at thepedal, and the voltage passing through the pedal to the tattoo machineis varied in accordance with the resistance value produced at the pedal.5. The system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of notches are spaced insaid at least one gear according to a desired predetermined resistancevalue corresponding to a predetermined discrete voltage value, whereinsaid indexing object in conjunction with said plurality of notchesprevent variation between discrete voltage values.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein an amount of voltage being supplied to the tattoomachine is directly proportional to an amount of pressure being appliedto the pedal.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the resistance value isproduced using a variable resistor located at the pedal, and thevariable resistor comprises one of a rheostat or a potentiometer.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a voltage meter attachmentcomponent configured to display an amount of voltage being output fromthe pedal to the instrument.
 9. A tattooing system for providingvariable power to a tattoo application instrument, comprising: a tattoomachine having an electrical connection; a pedal having a predefinedrange of motion defined by an initial zero position and extending to anupper end position, the pedal comprising at least one gear, and anindexing system having an indexing object biased against the at leastone gear; wherein displacement of the pedal within its predefined rangeof motion rotates the at least one gear which causes displacement of theindexing object from one notch to a next adjacent notch to provide aresistance value within a predetermined range corresponding to thepredefined range of motion of the pedal; voltage regulating meansconnected to the tattoo machine and the pedal for regulating a voltagesupplied to a tattoo machine in response to the pedal position and thecorresponding resistance value, wherein said voltage regulating means isin communication with said at least one gear, and the indexing system isconfigured to maintain the pedal in a specific position when a user isnot interacting with the pedal.